Transporting goods is always a risk associated with inertia, vibration and sudden maneuvers of the vehicle. Securely securing luggage on the roof of a car or cargo in the back of a truck is not just a recommendation, but a vital necessity, which, if ignored, can lead to serious accidents and fines. Exactly cargo securing straps with a tensioning mechanism (RKGN) are the most effective solution for fixing objects of various sizes and weights.
Unlike simple ropes or chains, modern textile ties ensure even distribution of the load over the surface of the load without damaging it, and allow you to quickly create the necessary tension. A correctly selected and installed belt turns disparate objects into a monolithic structure that is resistant to displacement even during emergency braking.
In this article we will analyze the technical nuances, strength classes, operating features and typical mistakes that are made when using rigging equipment. You'll learn how to calculate the required load capacity and why saving on a quality belt can cost more than the load itself.
Classification and marking of belts by strength classes
The main parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing rigging equipment is the strength class. In international and domestic practice, the LC (Lashing Capacity) marking system is used, which indicates the maximum permissible tension that the belt can withstand in a static state. It is important not to confuse this parameter with the breaking load, which is usually twice as high.
On the tag of each quality belt there is a marking containing information about the strength class, date of manufacture and manufacturer. Typical LC values range from 250 kg to 5000 kg or more. For example, marking LC 2500 daN means that the belt can withstand a load of 2500 kilogram-force (daN is decinewton, where 1 daN ≈ 1 kg).
⚠️ Attention: Never use belts without a legible tag. The lack of marking makes it impossible to determine the safety margin, which equates to using faulty equipment.
For everyday use, such as transporting bicycles or furniture in a passenger car, LC 500–1000 class belts are usually sufficient. For commercial transport and heavy loads in truck bodies, products of classes LC 2000, LC 3300 and higher are used, often with reinforced straps and metal elements.
The textile tape, which is the basis of the belt, is made of polyester fibers, which have a minimal stretch coefficient (less than 3-4%) and high resistance to ultraviolet radiation and aggressive environments. This ensures that the tension does not weaken along the way due to the elongation of the material.
Tension mechanism design and types of locks
The heart of any tensioning belt is the tensioning mechanism, which allows the operator's physical effort to be converted into powerful tension on the belt. The most common type is the ratchet, which consists of a body, a handle, and a ratchet wheel with teeth.
When working with a ratchet mechanism, it is important to understand the principle of its operation: the reciprocating movements of the handle wind the tape onto the shaft, creating tension. Fixation occurs due to the locking tongue, which engages with the teeth of the ratchet. There are also automatic tightening mechanisms that compensate for cargo shrinkage, but they are more difficult to maintain.
Ratchet mechanism device
Inside the housing there is a handle return spring and a rotation axis. The ratchet teeth are hardened to prevent slippage under peak loads. It is important to keep the mechanism clean, as sand and dirt can block the stopper.
The locking connections at the ends of the belts also vary. The most popular are hooks with open or closed grip. Closed hooks are safer because they prevent accidental slipping from the body fastening elements. For specific tasks, carabiners, rings or S-shaped hooks are used.
The choice of lock type depends on the mounting points on the vehicle. If you use rails or special eyes, the shape of the hook must perfectly match their geometry to maximize the contact area.
Calculation of load capacity and selection of belt width
The width of the textile tape directly correlates with its strength class. The standard range of widths includes 25 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm. The wider the tape, the more fibers are involved in distributing the load, and the higher the final load-carrying capacity of the set.
When calculating the required number and type of belts, you should be guided by the rule: the total load of all fastenings must exceed the weight of the load with a margin. However, it is important to consider that when fastening "in tension" (when the belt presses the load from above), the effectiveness of each belt is reduced due to the angle of inclination.
Below is a table of the correspondence between the width of the tape and its approximate strength class (LC). Please note that actual performance may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so always check label.
| Tape width (mm) | Min. strength class (LC) | Max. strength class (LC) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mm | 250 kg | 500 kg | Cars, luggage |
| 35 mm | 1000 kg | 1500 kg | Motor vehicles, small loads |
| 50 mm | 2000 kg | 3300 kg | Commercial transportation, equipment |
| 75 mm | 4000 kg | 5000+ kg | Heavy equipment, special equipment |
Using a belt that is narrower than required for the weight of the load will cause it to wear out quickly and possibly break. On the other hand, using a belt that is too wide for a light load is not practical due to the size of the mechanism and the price.
Step-by-step instructions for securing cargo
The load securing process requires sequential steps to ensure safety. First, inspect the belt for damage: cuts, broken threads, corrosion of metal parts, and deformation of the ratchet. If defects are found, operation is prohibited.
Then select the mounting points on the vehicle. They must be strong and withstand loads greater than the LC of the belt. Thread the hooks through the eyes or hook them onto body parts. It is important that the belt does not touch any sharp edges of the load or body.
☑️ Pre-flight check
Pass the free end of the tape through the weight or cover it on top, then insert it into the slot in the ratchet shaft. Turn the handle a few times, picking up the slack, until the band is taut. Perform the final tension with smooth but confident movements until it stops.
After fixing, check the stability of the load. If multiple straps are used, try to arrange them in a crisscross or fan pattern to prevent the load from shifting to either side. Carefully fold the rest of the ribbon and secure it with special elastic bands or put it in your pocket so that it does not dangle in the wind.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to tie two belts together in knots to increase the length. This reduces the joint strength by 50% and creates a critical stress point. Use only solid belts of the required length.
On the way, especially after the first 10-20 kilometers, it is recommended to stop and check the tension. The textile may “shrink” a little and the tension will weaken. Tighten the straps if necessary.
Mounting angles and influence on load
The geometry of the attachment plays a decisive role in the effectiveness of fixation. The angle between the belt and the body platform directly affects downforce. An angle close to 90 degrees is considered ideal, but in practice this is rarely achieved.
When fastening "from above" (clamping fastening), the vertical component of the tension force presses the load to the floor. If the angle deviates from the vertical, efficiency decreases. The horizontal component can, on the contrary, shift the load to the side if it is not compensated by a paired belt on the opposite side.
Use corner protectors (corners) for sharp edges of loads. They will not only protect the belt from chafing, but will also help maintain the geometry of the belt, preventing it from slipping off the corner.
There are special calculation formulas that take into account the coefficient of friction and the angle of inclination, but for practical use it is enough to remember the main thing: the more vertical the belt is, the better it holds the load. At shallow angles (less than 30 degrees), the belt works primarily to restrain horizontal movement.
For low-friction loads (such as metal sheets or plastic containers), top tension alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, it is necessary to combine securing methods or use anti-slip mats under the load.
Care, storage and disposal of belts
The service life of cargo securing straps depends not only on the intensity of use, but also on storage conditions. Polyester tape is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, so storage in direct sunlight leads to degradation of the fibers and loss of strength.
After use, especially in winter or after rain, the belts must be dried before cleaning. A wet band rolled into the mechanism may become moldy or freeze, causing the ratchet to fail. Dirt and sand entering the mechanism act as an abrasive, destroying the teeth.
The equipment should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from aggressive chemicals. It is best to use special bags or containers that come with the kit, or hang the belts on hooks.
Regular visual inspection and proper drying after each trip prolongs the life of the belts by 2-3 times.
If serious damage is detected, such as through cuts, melting or deformation of the hooks, the belt must be discarded. Operation of damaged equipment is prohibited. Disposal should be done in such a way that the belts cannot be picked up and reused (for example, by cutting the tape).
Can belts be used to lift loads (like slings)?
Absolutely not. Straps for securing cargo (RKGN) and load-lifting slings have different safety margins and designs. LC belts are rated as tensile load, not breaking load. Using tie down straps for lifting may cause them to break and cause the load to fall.
How often should belts be checked?
A visual inspection is carried out before each use. Periodic inspections with recording in a log (for legal entities) are carried out every 6 or 12 months, depending on the intensity of use, in accordance with internal safety regulations.
What to do if the ratchet mechanism is jammed?
Do not use excessive force or hammer. Try to develop the mechanism by pressing on the locking tab and at the same time turning the shaft. If the reason is dirt, wash the mechanism with solvent and lubricate it. If the mechanism is deformed, the belt needs to be replaced.
Can the belts withstand the cold?
Polyester tape retains elasticity at low temperatures (down to -40°C). However, metal parts may become brittle and the mechanism may freeze if water gets into it. Before using in cold weather, allow the belt to warm up in a warm place if it was stored at sub-zero temperatures.
Which belt to choose for an ATV?
For an ATV weighing about 300-400 kg, belts with a width of 35 mm or 50 mm with a strength class of LC 1500-2000 are optimal. Be sure to use 4 straps (two on each side) to securely secure the wheels and frame.